Sierra Essentials
Training Manual
PrairieCat website: http://support.prairiecat.info/
Copyright © 2009 by Innovative Interfaces, Inc.
This publication is supplied for the exclusive use of customers of Innovative Interfaces with the
understanding that it shall not be shown or distributed to anyone outside of the customer's
organization without the prior written permission of Innovative Interfaces. This publication may be
copied only if the copies are for the exclusive use of staff members of libraries that have purchased
the Innovative system.
Last PrairieCat Revision Date: 1/20/2014
Sierra Essentials
Friendly reminders and tips:
 Sessions will timeout after 60 minutes of inactivity to free up user licenses, but make it
a good practice to log out.
 Staff can only work with one function at a time. To work simultaneously on two or
more functions, one must log into another session but keep in mind this will use up a
user license.
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Sierra Essentials
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Log In _______________________________________________________________________ 4 Menu Bar and Function List ____________________________________________________4 Menus ___________________________________________________________________________________ 4 Functions ________________________________________________________________________________ 7 Record Structure and Data Fields ________________________________________________ 7 Record Numbers __________________________________________________________________________ 7 Fixed and Variable Length Fields ____________________________________________________________ 8 Searching ____________________________________________________________________ 9 Search Indexes ____________________________________________________________________________ 9 Searching with an Index Tag _______________________________________________________________ 10 Wildcards in searching ____________________________________________________________________ 10 Control number in searching ________________________________________________________________11 Standard numbers in searching ______________________________________________________________11 Record numbers in searching ________________________________________________________________11 Barcode numbers in searching ______________________________________________________________ 12 No-Hit Browse Display____________________________________________________________________ 12 How do I limit a search in Sierra Desktop? _______________________________________ 14 Pre-search limit __________________________________________________________________________ 14 Limiting Using Facets ____________________________________________________________________ 15 Search for a Patron record______________________________________________________ 16 Sorting within records _________________________________________________________ 17 Sort item records in summary display by column _______________________________________________ 17 Sort columns within patron record tabs _______________________________________________________ 18 Templates___________________________________________________________________ 18 New Record Templates ___________________________________________________________________ 18 Setting for Item Entry _____________________________________________________________________ 19 Setting for Patron Entry ___________________________________________________________________ 21 Displaying Record Maintenance Statistics ________________________________________ 23 Record Links ________________________________________________________________ 23 Bibliographic Record Links ________________________________________________________________ 24 Volume Record Links _____________________________________________________________________ 25 For more information _________________________________________________________ 25 Appendix A- Macros ______________________________________________________________________ 26 Appendix B- Shortcut Keys _________________________________________________________________ 27 3
Sierra Essentials
Log In

Double click on the Sierra icon on your computer’s desktop.

When the Login and Password dialog box appears, enter a Sierra login name and password.

Click the Login button or press the Enter key

This connects you to the server and loads the Sierra Cataloging software.

You can choose to have the computer remember your login on that computer. This is a good option
for Circulation staff that typically use the same login at the Circ Desks.
Menu Bar and Function List
Once you are logged in, you will see a menu bar at the top of the screen:
Options under each menu change as you navigate different areas of the software. In some cases, the
only place you find an option that you might want to perform is under a menu. Most of what you can do
in Sierra can be done using shortcut keys. The menus typically show what shortcut keys you can use
for different functions. Any items you do not have access to or that are not currently active, will be
greyed out.
Menus
FILE
File allows you to do the following:
See the 5 most recent searches, item records, patrons, and items checked-in. This is very helpful from
a workflow perspective because you will be able to easily go back to searches, patrons and records
instead of looking them up again. You can also see what printers are available from this screen. And
you can exit the client from this menu.
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EDIT
Under Edit, you can do the typical things you see in Word: cut, copy, paste, and select all.
In addition, you can change the coloring on your screen under preferences:
VIEW
Enable Table Tooltips in the View menu to display shortcut keys as you roll over commands with the
mouse. For a list of Macros and Shortcut keys, see the Appendix.
GO Go is an alternative way to access the functions (see more on Functions below). You will see what
functions you have permission to use.
TOOLS
Depending on what module you are in, Tools allows you to do different things. The character map
allows you to insert atypical alpha and numeric symbols. Print Worksheets allows you to print or email a
record. You can enter a patron, item, bib, or holdings record number or patron barcode and receive all
the information on a record on whatever printer or email you select.
ADMIN
This menu allows you make changes to settings in Sierra. Under settings, there are a number of items
that can be changed. Here are a few that libraries might find helpful.
Record Display
Under Record Display, you can choose what you want to appear in the item records including Book
Jackets. Macros
As mentioned above, there are a number of pre-defined macros to make work easier. However, users
are allowed to create their own macros for common tasks. See the appendix for a list of the macros
that are pre-defined.
Session Statistics
You can choose to see the list of what you did while logged in when you close out of a session with
session statistics. If you prefer not to see this, you can unclick the box.
New Records
Staff is able to choose certain settings and templates for creating new items, patrons, serials
holdings, etc. This allows you to select a default template that will be based on your library’s
information in order to facilitate faster record creation. See Record Template for a list of all the
templates available.
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Sierra Essentials
Record Templates
Record Templates are set-up by PrairieCat Staff for each library upon request. Libraries can have
templates for the record types shown below. Each library will have the option to put the templates
they use regularly in the Preferred Templates box. This way, you will only see the templates that
apply to you when you enter a new record.
Print Templates
Print Templates also can be set-up by PrairieCat Staff for each library upon request. Libraries can
have templates for the following notices:
Purchase order
Transit Slip
Spine Label
Hold Slips
Hold Wrappers
Serial Claiming Notices
Each library has the option to put the templates they use regularly in the Preferred Templates box.
This way, you will only see the templates that apply to you when you print.
HELP
The Help menu will show you what version of Sierra you are running as well as providing a link to the
online help manual on the Innovative website where you can find more information on Sierra. The login
to the Innovative website is prcat and the password is flip8.
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Sierra Essentials
Functions
On the right, there is a drop down box with the Functions you have access to. Functions are tasks that
you can do in Sierra. Each login will have a different set of Functions based on the tasks you need to
do your job. You will only see the functions you have access to. Below is an example of a circulation
login Function List. You can choose what you want to do from this drop down menu.
Record Structure and Data Fields
Record Numbers
Each record is assigned an internal control number, known as a record number. Record numbers are
prefixed with a period (.) and a one-character tag that identifies the record type. The record types are
assigned the following character tags:
b
bibliographic
o
order
i
item
c
checkin
a
authority
p
patron
r
course
n
invoice
v
vendor
e
resource
j
volume
g
program
s
section
Record numbers are seven or eight digits long, including a modulus 11 check digit in the last position.
For example, the number .b10243641 is interpreted as follows:
.b10243641
|||
|
|||
`--- Check digit (Last digit in #)
||`--- Record number (“1024364”)
|`--- Record type (bibliographic) (b)
.
`--- Record number prefix ( =period)
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Check Digits
When searching for a record number, if you don't know the check digit, you can substitute the character
a for the check digit. For example, you could enter the record number above as .b1024364a.
Fixed and Variable Length Fields
Most Sierra record types (i.e.: Bibliographic, Item, Holdings, Order, Patron, etc.) consist of fixed-length
fields and variable-length fields. A fixed-length field is a field that has a selection of choices for you to
choose from whereas a variable length field offers the ability to put in information of varying lengths.
Fields are created when entering a new patron, item or bibliographic record. Fixed-Length Fields
Each Fixed-length field contains a specific code, numeric or alphabetic or alphanumeric, which is
selected from the set of valid codes for that field that PrairieCat has selected and are used systemwide.
Only PrairieCat staff can add or modify fixed length field values. Each fixed-length field for a particular
record type appears in every record of that type. Fixed-length fields are not repeatable.
Options available in any particular fixed field will display numerically/ alphabetically descending order
by code or description depending on where one clicks within the fixed field.
Figure 1 Material Type listed in order by code
Figure 2 Material Type listed in order by description
Variable-length fields
All variable-length fields are repeatable. Some fields have a specific use and are automatically
generated by the system (such as PAID and ROUTING fields.) Other fields, (i.e.: NOTE), are available
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Sierra Essentials
for you to enter free text. Some variable-length fields can be indexed, and may be used to retrieve
records. The library may ask Sierra to index certain fields (not all) if they are not already indexed (for
example, Publisher).
Fixed-length fields in patron records are reviewed in more detail in the Circulation I class, and fixedlength fields in item records are reviewed in more detail in the Cataloging 1 class.
Searching
Search Indexes
PrairieCat has a number of indexes that allow the user to search and retrieve records in the database
by various search terms. An index is a searchable list of the fields where information such as patron
name is stored. Common indexes include patron name, patron barcode, item barcode, title, subject and
author, among others. You can search within an index. For example, you can search the patron name
index for a match to the search criterion "Smith." The patron record for John D. Smith can be displayed
from the records that were retrieved by the search.
All of the search options in Sierra are phrase searches except the Keyword search option. Phrase
searches require that you enter your terms left to right the way they are in the field in the record. So,
authors should be entered last name first, then first name. Patrons should also be entered last name
first, then first name. Titles should be entered without skipping words in the title. Examples of how to
search other special indexes are provided below.
Keyword searches are only available for searching bibliographic records. With Keyword searches you
can enter any terms in any order. Your results will be larger because the search looks for the terms you
enter anywhere in the bibliographic records, using the Keyword index, rather than the more specific
Title, Author, Subject, Standard Number indexes, etc.
To retrieve a record, you specify your search criteria, search, and then display the record from the
results of your search. Depending on the Sierra function you are working in, searching by title, author,
barcode, patron name, record number, etc. (that is, to search an index of the Sierra database), is done
by:
a. scanning a barcode
b. entering a barcode manually
c. choosing an index from a menu:
d. entering an index tag in Sierra Circulation when the Scan Barcode Box is Displayed. Here is a list of
the index tags in Sierra:
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T=title
W=Keyword
A= author
D= Subject
J=Periodical Title
S=Series Title
C=Call No.
V= Dewey Call No.
H= Local Call No.
O=Control No.
I=Standard No. (e.g. ISBN)
G=Government doc
B= Barcode
.= Record Number
N= Name
E=Personal Information
Searching with an Index Tag
NOTE: If you are searching within the barcode index, you do not have to use the index tag before the
search criteria. If the current mode is Circulation Desk in Sierra Circulation, you must retrieve a patron
record before retrieving an item record.
To select an index by entering an index tag (listed above):
1) Put the cursor inside the Scan Barcode text box. (If the cursor is not inside the Scan Barcode text
box, click inside the box or press Alt+B.)
2) Enter the index tag (for example, 'n' for the patron's name).
3) Enter your search criteria.
4) Begin the search by pressing Enter or choosing the Search button.
5) A single matching record will be retrieved and displayed or a list of records fitting the search criteria
will be displayed. NOTE: If there are multiple matching records (or no matching records), Sierra
displays a status dialog as it searches and then offers a browse display.
Wildcards in searching
Search expressions can include the '*' character at the end of a word or phrase as a wildcard. For
example, the search expression "symph*" matches the words "symphony", "symphonic", and so forth.
By default, the system uses a single asterisk to match a maximum of five characters and a double
asterisk to match any number of characters. For example, defens* will match defense, defensible, but
not defensibility. defens** will match all three words.
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Control number in searching
“o Control no. “searches 001 Bib Utility No. field.
Standard numbers in searching
**Not inclusive**
Searching standard numbers cannot include hyphens or spaces: (ISBNs, ISSNs LCCNs)
“i Standard no.” searches:
010 – LCCN (Library of Congress Control #)
020 – ISBN (International Standard Book #)
022 – ISSN (International Standard Serial #)
024-- Other Standard Identifier:
024 _3-EAN
024_1-UPC
028—Publisher #
028_0-Issue #
028_3-Other music #
028_4-Videorecording #
028_5-Other publisher #
Record numbers in searching
“. Record no.” searches:
Bibliographic records: preface with “b” (i.e., b2004124x)
Item records: preface with “I” (i.e., i151211944)
Volume records: preface with “j” (i.e., j3029010) **not searchable at this time in catalog
module**
Patron records: preface with “p” (i.e., p12895246)
Examples of where record numbers are found in records in the database are provided below.
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Barcode numbers in searching
Searching barcode numbers cannot include hyphens or spaces.
No-Hit Browse Display
You will see a “No-Hit Browse” display consisting of nearby entries in the index if your search does not
match any index entries. The system also displays a message of “your entry would be here” which may
allow you find the record you are looking for.
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These are the MARC tags in the bibliographic record that are searched to attempt to provide results to
your search:
t Title (tags: 130, 210, 240, 245, 246, 247, 440, 490, 505 [|t], 700 [|t], 710 [|t], 711 [|t], 730 [|t], 740 [|t],
800 [|t], 810 [|t], 970 [|t],)
W Keyword (tags: 245, 5XX, 653-658, 662, 840)
a Author (tags: 100, 110, 111, 700, 710, 711)
d Subject (tags: 600, 610, 611, 630, 648, 650, 651, 655, 690, 691, 699)
j Periodical title (022 tag in bibliographic record. Not all periodical titles have this tag.)
s Series Title
c LC Call no.
v Dewey Call no.
h BiSac Call no.
o Control no. (tag: 001, 035)
i Standard number (tags: 010, 020, 022, 024, 027, 028)
g Gov’t. Doc. no. (tag: 086)
z ARN
n Patron Name
b Barcode
u Unique ID
p Prof/TA
r Course
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. Record no. (.p=patron, .b =bibliography, .i=item)
x SICI#
How do I limit a search in Sierra Desktop?
Pre-search limit
1. In Sierra Desktop Search/Holds or Cataloging, select an index from the drop-down menu and
enter your term (for example, author "Kozol Jonathan").
2. Click the '+' (Additional) button to the right of the search data entry box. If you want to keep
those limits for additional searches, click the “Apply limit to all searches” checkbox.
3. Enter the limits you wish to impose on the search (for example, publication year between 1990
and 2000) and click "Close".
4. Click "Search". Your results set should include only titles published between 1990 and 2000 by
author Jonathan Kozol.
Post-search limit:
1. You can also use the “+” search limits after you have performed your initial search. In Sierra
Desktop Search/Holds or Cataloging, select an index and enter your term (for example, author
"Kozol Jonathan"). Click "Search".
2. When your results appear, click the '+' (Additional) button to the right of the search data entry
box to limit the results set.
3. Enter the limits you wish to impose on the search (for example, publication year between 1990
and 2000) and click "Close".
4. Click "Search". Your results set should include only titles published between 1990 and 2000 by
author Jonathan Kozol.
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Updating your search limit:
For both pre- and post-search limits, click the '+' (Additional) button to the right of the search data entry
box to clear or change the limit currently in place. Click "Clear" to completely remove any previouslyentered limit criteria. Or, if you wish to change or add information to your limit, update the limit criteria
and click "Close". Click "Search" to run the search with the updated limits.
Limiting Using Facets
You can also limit your search results post-search by using the “facets” on the left side of the search
results screen.
1. In Sierra Desktop Search/Holds or Cataloging, select an index from the drop-down menu and
enter your term (for example, author "Kozol Jonathan").
2. On the results screen, click on one or more facets to limit by format, language, locations or
availability in PrairieCat.
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3. To remove a facet limit, click on the red “X” next to the facet to expand your search.
4. There are more facet limiting options when you perform a Keyword search and additional fields
are searched in the records.
Search for a Patron record
Patron records may be searched by any indexed field in the Patron record. They can be searched only
in the Check Out (Circulation Desk) function or when placing a hold from the Search/Holds function.
1. Go to Check Out (Circulation Desk) function
2. Type or Scan the patron barcode into the query box in the upper left-hand portion of the screen.
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3. Or Type the letter “n” (to designate the name index) and search by the patron’s last name, first
name. Do not insert a space after the letter “n”. This searching option informs the system that it
should search the Name Index instead of the Barcode Index.
4. Or Type the letter “e” to search the personal information index
(address, telephone or email). Do not insert a space after the
letter “e.” This searching option informs the system that it
should search the Personal Information Index instead of the
Barcode index. Personal information reads left to right and is a
phrase search.
5. Or Type the letter “u” to search the Unique ID
(formerly AltID). Do not insert a space after the letter
“u.” This informs the system that it should search the
Unique ID index.
6. After typing your search term, press the <Enter> key or click the Search button. If necessary,
select the appropriate index from the drop down list of Name, Barcode, or Record number. Type
the appropriate data into the query box and press the <Enter> key (or click the Search button)
7. From a browse screen of a list of Patron records, double click on the line for the selected patron
name or highlight the line for the patron name and click the Select button.
Sorting within records
Sort item records in summary display by column

After opening a Bibliographic record, select all (or appropriate) item records from the Summary
tab by clicking in the checkbox. Select Edit | Location/call no./volume sort from the
dropdown menu.

Can also be sorted by clicking on headings fields, i.e. Location.
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
This option sorts records alphabetically by location name, by call number, and then by volume
(pulled from either the volume field of the Item record or the linked volume record). Columns
can also be resized in current view.
Sort columns within patron record tabs
Within the tabs in a patron record in the Check Out (Circulation Desk) function, you can sort by any
bold column header by clicking on that column. A sample Checked-Out items screen is displayed
below, and in this example you can sort by barcode, call number, location, title or due date. This flexible
sorting can be helpful if the patron has a lot of checkouts or holds.
Templates
New Record Templates
The Sierra system uses record templates to create new records. A new record template can be
configured by the PrairieCat staff to prompt the user to fill in specific fields. A new record template can
also be configured by the PrairieCat staff to contain default data in certain fields which is automatically
inserted into the record during the new record creation process. Libraries should submit a Help
Desk request if you need additional templates created.
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
The template “wizard” will guide the user through the creation of the new record. Templates are
used to ensure consistency in entry and inclusion of all necessary fields.
Settings for Item Entry
To get to settings:
Menu Toolbar
AdminSettings New Records
Prompt for adding Single or
Multiple Copies option
1. Prompt for template: Prompted only once.
2. Always prompt for template: Prompted each
time an item record is created.
3. Specific template selected: will always use
designated template.
Recommendation: Always prompt for template
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Users can also move their preferred templates over to the left column so that those are the only
templates viewed, instead of the full list
Record Templates tab:
Templates viewed pulled from list in “Preferred Templates” column. If nothing in the
preferred list one will see the all-inclusive list under “Other Templates”.
Click “Save Settings” once
changes are made.
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Settings for Patron Entry
To get to settings:
Menu Toolbar
AdminSettings New Records
4. Prompt for template: Prompted only once.
5. Always prompt for template: Prompted each
time an item record is created.
6. Specific template selected: will always use
designated template.
Recommendation: Always prompt for template
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Again, users can move their preferred templates over to the left column so that those are the only
templates viewed, instead of the full list.
Record Templates Tab:
Templates viewed pulled from list in “Preferred Templates” column. If nothing in the
preferred list one will see the all-inclusive list under “Other Templates”.
Click “Save Settings” once
changes are made.
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Displaying Record Maintenance Statistics
Sierra Cataloging retains statistics on the number of records you create, edit, and delete. You can
display these statistics for the current session only, or for a cumulative range of months that you
specify. For example, you can choose to display the statistics from June 2000 through August 2000, or
from September 2000 through September 2001. The default number of months for which statistics are
retained is 13 (one full year plus the current month).
Activities recorded for statistics include:

Updating bibliographic, item, holdings (checkin), order, authority, patron, and course records.

Creating new records.

Deleting attached records from existing bibliographic records.

Transferring attached records from one bibliographic record to another. (Each such transaction
results in two counts in the bibliographic record type Modified column and one in the item record
type Modified column for each record transferred.)

Rapid Updating.

Global Updating.
Session statistics track activities performed during a single session. A session begins when an instance
of Sierra starts, and ends when that instance of Sierra closes. Session statistics can encompass the
activity of multiple users, as defined by user initials.
Cumulative statistics reflect more than the totals of the session statistics. With cumulative statistics, you
can view statistics for users of Sierra in any Sierra application.
Record Links
The Sierra system links records to each other in certain situations. For instance, when the
library orders a copy of a book (or several copies), the system keeps track of which
Bibliographic record the order belongs with. Sierra does this by linking the Order record with
the Bibliographic record. Another example of record linking is when a patron checks out a
book, the system links the Item record to the Patron record. The list and diagram below
indicate which record types can be linked:
Bibliographic Record Links
Bibliographic records do not necessarily have to be linked to any other kinds of records, but may be
linked to a large number of Order, Checkin, and Item records.
Order Record Links
Each Order record must be linked to one and only one Bibliographic record; multiple Order records may
be linked to the same Bibliographic record.
Checkin Record Links
Each Checkin record must be linked to one and only one Bibliographic record; multiple Checkin records
may be linked to the same Bibliographic record.
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Item Record Links
A single Item record may be linked to multiple Bibliographic records, and multiple Item records may be
linked to the same Bibliographic record.
Patron Record Links
Patron records do not necessarily have to be linked to any other kinds of records, but may be
linked to Item records, (e.g., when items are checked out or on hold).
Course Record Links
Course records do not necessarily have to be linked to any other kinds of records, but may be
linked to Item records.
Authority Record Links
Authority records are not linked to any other kinds of records.
Bibliographic Record Links
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Volume Record Links
For more information
If you have questions, please feel free to contact the PrairieCat staff at Reaching Across Illinois Library
System. We will be happy to assist you.
Ed Zanelli, LLSAP Associate
ed.zanelli@railslibraries.info
(877) 542-7257, x4194
Gail Lien, LLSAP Senior Associate
gail.lien@railslibraries.info
(877) 542-7257, x4001
Mary Louise Brown, Senior Cataloger
marylouise.brown@railslibraries.info
(877) 542-7257, x4319
Sandy Tedder, Senior Cataloger
sandy.tedder@railslibraries.info
(877) 542-7257, x4198
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Appendix A- Macros
Keyboard function keys (F1 through F12) perform macros—pre-programmed sets of keystrokes that
are executed when you press the function key. See the Macros tab in Settings to customize the
function keys for your login or to learn how to view the macros the keys perform.
Pre-Defined Function Keys in Acquisitions – the following function keys come predefined in
Acquisitions:
Key
Function
F1
Changes the current function to Orders
F2
Changes the current function to Claims
F3
Changes the current function to Send
F4
Changes the current function to Rapid Update
F5
Changes the current function to Invoice
F6
Changes the current function to Funds
F7
Changes the current function to Vendors
Pre-Defined Function Keys in Circulation - The following function keys come predefined in
Circulation and ILL (where applicable):
Key
Function
F1
Changes the current function to Circulation Desk and the
current tab to Check Out
F2
Changes the current function to Check-In (No Patron)
F3
Changes the current function to Search/Holds
F6
Changes the current function to Circulation Desk and the
current tab to Checked-Out Items
F7
Changes the current function to Circulation Desk and the
current tab to Holds
F9
Changes the current function to Circulation Desk and the
current tab to Check In
Shift+F6
Changes the current function to Renew (No Patron)
Shift+F8
Changes the current function to Circulation Desk and the
current
Pre-Defined Function Keys in Cataloging - The following function keys come predefined in
Cataloging:
Key
Function
F1
Launches the Cataloging Workstation application
F2
Changes the current function to Catalog
F3
Changes the current function to Global Update
F4
Changes the current function to Rapid Update
F5
Changes the current function to Create Lists
F6
Changes the current function to Delete Items
Pre-Defined Function Keys in Serials - The following function keys come predefined in Serials:
Key
Function
F1
Changes the current function to Serials Check-in
F2
Changes the current function to Routing
F3
Changes the current function to Binding
F4
Changes the current function to Claiming
F5
Changes the current function to Send Claims
F6
Changes the current function to Bindery
F7
Changes the current function to Check In Bound
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Appendix B- Shortcut Keys
You can use keystrokes instead of the mouse to carry out commands. In some cases, you will see an
underlined letter (known as a mnemonic) in a menu command, button, or tab. Pressing Alt+(the
underlined letter) will execute the command. In other cases, shortcut keys appear in a menu next to the
name of the command. Shortcut keys are typically Ctrl+(one or more keys). Pressing Ctrl+(the other
keys) executes the command. Unlike underlined letters, these shortcut keys will work whenever the
menu is available to you, whether you have opened the menu or not.
Enable Table Tooltips in the View menu to display shortcut keys as you roll over commands with the
mouse.
Shortcuts Used in All Applications
Key Combination
Alt+LeftArrow
Alt+Q
Alt+RightArrow
Ctrl+Enter
Ctrl+=+.
Ctrl+=+,
Ctrl+]+Ctrl+[+Ctrl+Shift+B
Ctrl+Shift+I
Ctrl+Shift+P
Ctrl+Shift+T
Ctrl+C
Ctrl+N
Ctrl+T
Ctrl+V
Ctrl+X
Ctrl+Y
Ctrl+Z
Esc
N
Y
Space
Tab (orShift+Tab)
Shortcuts Used In Text Boxes
Arrows
Backspace
Delete
End
View the previous month in a date dialog
Close the current record
View the next month in a date dialog
Add an extra line to a variable-length field with
multiple lines, e.g., an ADDRESS field or the multifield LOCATION/COPIESeditor
View the previous attached record
View the next attached record
Display the next record in a browse list
Display the previous record in a browse list
Display the full bibliographic record
Display the full item record
Display the full patron record
Move backward from one tab to another in a
bibliographic record display
Copy selected text or the current text field
Creates a new record
Move forward from one tab to another in a
bibliographic record display
Paste the contents of the Windows clipboard
Cut the selected text and copy it to the Windows
clipboard
Redo the most recent undo action
Undo your last action
Clears a browse display
Choose the No button in message dialogs; you can
also key Alt + N
Choose the Yes button in message
dialogs; you can also key Alt+Y
Select a button or check box
Make a button, check box, table, drop
down list, etc. the active screen element
Position the cursor within text.
Delete all highlighted text or the
letter preceding the insertion point.
Delete all highlighted text or the
letter following the insertion point.
Move the cursor to the end of text
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Sierra Essentials
Shift+(arrow keys)
Shortcuts Used In Tables Arrows
Shift+(arrow keys)
Ctrl+A
Number keys
Highlight text.
Highlight rows.
Highlight adjacent rows.
Highlight all rows.
Highlight numbered rows.
Shortcuts Used In Drop Down
Lists
Arrows
Single letters (displayed next to
menu options)
Highlight menu options.
Chooses a menu option.
Shortcuts Used for Editing Records
The TAB Key
The TAB key is used to move the cursor to the next editable position in the record. For fixed length
fields, TAB moves the cursor to the data of the next editable fixed field. For variable-length fields, TAB
moves the cursor in the following order: field group tag/label (if shown), MARC tag (if shown), MARC
indicators (if shown), first sub-field data, next subfield tag, next subfield tag data, 15
Other Key Combinations
Key Combination
Ctrl+END
Ctrl+HOME
HOME
END
PAGE UP
PAGE DOWN
Function
Moves the cursor to the last editable position of the
record.
Moves the cursor to the first editable position of the
record.
Moves the cursor to the first position of the variablelength field or first fixed length field on the line.
Moves the cursor to the last position of the variablelength field or first fixed length field on the line.
Moves the cursor up one page of fields and places
the cursor in the relative position of the field.
Moves the cursor down a one page of fields and
places the cursor in the relative position of the field.
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